No edit summary |
No edit summary |
||
| (8 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{#seo: | |||
|keywords= SpellForce, SpellForce Lore, SpellForce Lore Summary, SpellForce Story, SpellForce Story Summary, SpellForce Timeline | |||
|description= This page summarises all of the important events that happened in the history of SpellForce, leading up to the present. | |||
}} | |||
[[Category:Events]] | |||
[[Category:Location]] | |||
=Preface= | =Preface= | ||
This guide is based on the '''canon''' information of various '''SpellForce''' games. | This guide is based on the '''canon''' information of various '''SpellForce''' games. | ||
| Line 20: | Line 26: | ||
Due to various lore breaks, the story of '''Faith in Destiny''' and '''Demons of the Past''' | Due to various lore breaks, the story of '''Faith in Destiny''' and '''Demons of the Past''' have been confirmed inside the respective games as being a mirage that doesn't happen in reality, thus making the events inconsequential to the lore. | ||
Similarly, due to all the '''SpellForce 3''' games consisting of many lore elements that aren't just improbable, but often contradictory to the canon, I have decided not to include any information from it since it would undoubtedly lead to problems and conflicting statements, both of which cannot be true at the same time. | Similarly, due to all the '''SpellForce 3''' games consisting of many lore elements that aren't just improbable, but often contradictory to the canon, I have decided not to include any information from it since it would undoubtedly lead to problems and conflicting statements, both of which cannot be true at the same time. | ||
Not everyone may agree with this, but in my opinion, it's necessary to keep the objective integrity of the lore intact. | Not everyone may agree with this, but in my opinion, it's necessary to keep the objective integrity of the lore intact. | ||
=Lore Summary (No Spoilers)= | =Lore Summary (No Spoilers)= | ||
The story of [[Eo]] began aeons ago when [[Aonir]] crossed the vast sea of stars, stepping foot on the then-desolate planet. Deciding to halt the primal elements raging on it, he banished them deep under Eo’s surface, using their vast power to form the countenance of this world: the mountains, valleys and rivers, before giving Eo his most precious gift, the Seed of Life out of which all life would be born. His work had been completed, but he wished not to leave it unattended. Thus, he called upon his nine children to join his side, assigning each of them a role they are to | The story of [[Eo]] began aeons ago when [[Aonir]] crossed the vast sea of stars, stepping foot on the then-desolate planet. Deciding to halt the primal elements raging on it, he banished them deep under Eo’s surface, using their vast power to form the countenance of this world: the mountains, valleys and rivers, before giving Eo his most precious gift, the Seed of Life out of which all life would be born. His work had been completed, but he wished not to leave it unattended. Thus, he called upon his nine children to join his side, assigning each of them a role they are to fulfil in his new world: the [[Guardians]]. However, before his departure, he forbade them from interfering in this world’s events, for it shall take its path – for better or worse. Then, he returned to the stary brinks of his homeland, leaving a fraction of his power behind in the form of [[Godstones]], drops of his divine blood that would keep the Elements in check and allow Eo a future. | ||
Eventually, life began to flourish on Eo, and among its first inhabitants were two beings that would dictate its future for the coming millennia: the [[Shapers]] and the [[Dragons]], also known as the first races. The Shapers were a curious people, deeply connected to magic and filled with an adventurous spirit. Their prowess allowed them to form their thoughts into crystals, constructing many wonderous constructs and cities all across Eo. However, their curiosity would eventually cause their downfall. Having discovered the [[Allfire]] on [[Xu]], their race fell victim to greed, slowly getting destroyed from the inside. Fearing enslavement, the Dragons arose from their nests in [[Godeland]] and used their Allfire-infused flame to destroy the Shapers. Only few managed to escape, hiding in remote regions of Eo. Over time, they would return to barbarism and change into the [[Humans]], [[Elves]] and [[Dwarves]]. | Eventually, life began to flourish on Eo, and among its first inhabitants were two beings that would dictate its future for the coming millennia: the [[Shapers]] and the [[Dragons]], also known as the first races. The Shapers were a curious people, deeply connected to magic and filled with an adventurous spirit. Their prowess allowed them to form their thoughts into crystals, constructing many wonderous constructs and cities all across Eo. However, their curiosity would eventually cause their downfall. Having discovered the [[Allfire]] on [[Xu]], their race fell victim to greed, slowly getting destroyed from the inside. Fearing enslavement, the Dragons arose from their nests in [[Godeland]] and used their Allfire-infused flame to destroy the Shapers. Only a few managed to escape, hiding in remote regions of Eo. Over time, they would return to barbarism and change into the [[Humans]], [[Elves]] and [[Dwarves]]. | ||
What followed were 40,000 years of the rule of the Dragons. The Elves and Dwarves, having established new civilisations and cultures, remained in hiding. It wasn’t until the Dwarves of the [[Grimwarg Mountains]] ventured to the [[Windwall Mountains|Windwall]] in search of ore that they discovered the Humans, then still barbarians cowering away in icy caves. They taught them of the world and the craft of smithing, and so the Humans descended into the valleys below, managing to use their wit to overpower the mighty Dragons. They soon expanded all across [[Fiara]] and even across places in [[Urgath]] and Xu, driving the Dragons back to Godeland and bringing their age to an end – [[the Age of Swords]] had begun. | What followed were 40,000 years of the rule of the Dragons. The Elves and Dwarves, having established new civilisations and cultures, remained in hiding. It wasn’t until the Dwarves of the [[Grimwarg Mountains]] ventured to the [[Windwall Mountains|Windwall]] in search of ore that they discovered the Humans, then still barbarians cowering away in icy caves. They taught them of the world and the craft of smithing, and so the Humans descended into the valleys below, managing to use their wit to overpower the mighty Dragons. They soon expanded all across [[Fiara]] and even across places in [[Urgath]] and Xu, driving the Dragons back to Godeland and bringing their age to an end – [[the Age of Swords]] had begun. | ||
The Humans had established their first empire, its members known as the [[Hybernian Empire|Hybernians]] – their influence | The Humans had established their first empire, its members known as the [[Hybernian Empire|Hybernians]] – their influence spread across most of Fiara, Urgath and Xu. This was a time of prosperity for the Humans, the age of great individuals, such as Alchemist and Royal Advisor: [[Janus Malacay]] who would go on to mix his blood with the blood of ancient Dragons, creating the [[Shaikan]]. Though the Dwarves befriended the Humans, the Elves underneath the treetops of Finon Mir saw their arrival as ill will. They prevented the Humans from entering their borders, resulting in minor skirmishes. Their conflict, however, ends in a stalemate, interrupted by the creation of the [[Dark Races]] in the deep jungles of Xu, forcing the adversaries to join forces. | ||
[[Zarach]], formerly known as the Guardian [[Ulm]], the Caretaker, and his brother [[Nor]] leave the circle of the Guardians, unhappy with the task their Father had given them, turning Renegades. Unable to create new life like his father, Zarach abducted many of Eo’s creatures into his [[Bone Temple]], distorting their bodies until he had | [[Zarach]], formerly known as the Guardian [[Ulm]], the Caretaker, and his brother [[Nor]] leave the circle of the Guardians, unhappy with the task their Father had given them, turning Renegades. Unable to create new life like his father, Zarach abducted many of Eo’s creatures into his [[Bone Temple]], distorting their bodies until he had made the [[Orcs]] and [[Trolls]]. Eventually, he turned Elves into the [[Norcaine]] as a gift for his brother, Nor, before completing his ultimate creation: the [[Fial Darg]], beings meant to serve as leaders of his armies. | ||
The Guardians quickly uncovered their ploy, and so they banished them from Eo for breaking Aonir’s rules. Nonetheless, their creations remained, now seeking revenge for their Renegade gods. They left the jungle and hurled themselves onto the Humans residing in the scorching deserts of Xu. Initially, the Dark Ones were defeated and forced to flee to Urgath, but they would soon return. Led by the Fial Darg, they crossed the [[Sea of Dreams]] to Fiara, and so began what would become known as the [[War of the Six Races]] – a 150-year-long conflict between the forces of Light and Darkness. | The Guardians quickly uncovered their ploy, and so they banished them from Eo for breaking Aonir’s rules. Nonetheless, their creations remained, now seeking revenge for their Renegade gods. They left the jungle and hurled themselves onto the Humans residing in the scorching deserts of Xu. Initially, the Dark Ones were defeated and forced to flee to Urgath, but they would soon return. Led by the Fial Darg, they crossed the [[Sea of Dreams]] to Fiara, and so began what would become known as the [[War of the Six Races]] – a 150-year-long conflict between the forces of Light and Darkness. | ||
Slowly winning the upper hand, the Dark Ones | Slowly winning the upper hand, the Dark Ones managed to push the defenders of Humans, Elves and Dwarves to the North of Fiara. They fought valiantly, however, they were unable to harm the Fial Darg and thus lacked the means to decide the war for themselves. The once grand Hybernian Empire collapsed during this war, splitting apart into [[Nortander]], [[the Highmark]] and [[Empyria]]. Faced with the annihilation of Aonir’s creation, the Guardians ignored the rules of their father, descending onto Eo to aid the races of the light. They erected a wall of stone, stalling the advance of their foes, but it helped little, for the Fial Darg hurled their troops against it restlessly, until step-like moulds started to form, allowing them to climb it. Atop, the Guardian [[Niethalf]] gifted the mortals secrets of his forge, bestowing upon them the knowledge to craft armours able to withstand the weapons of their enemy. Together, they were able to defeat the Dark Ones. Unable to be killed, the Fial Darg were imprisoned by the Guardians beneath Aonir’s Blade, the very mountain their father had used to pierce his side at the dawn of time. | ||
The Dark Races were spared, yet were leaderless and lost, roaming Fiara aimlessly until they, too, started creating their nations: peace had temporarily found its place on Eo. But this time would not last for long. Soon | The Dark Races were spared, yet were leaderless and lost, roaming Fiara aimlessly until they, too, started creating their nations: peace had temporarily found its place on Eo. But this time would not last for long. Soon, the power-hungry mages of all nations began rising, causing discord in their midst. Uproars known as the [[Mage Wars]] would soon erupt across Eo, causing the races to put their differences aside in the search for solutions. After a mage uprising in Nortander had been quelled, it was decided in unison that an order of the most powerful mages of Eo must be established to prevent further misuse of magic. [[The Circle]] had been created, eventually comprising the 13 most powerful mages of their time. They built the city of [[Mulandir]], independent of all kingdoms and realms, poised to virtuously uphold their goals. | ||
The Circle ushered in an age of prosperity and peace, bringing Eo into a golden era that would last for centuries: however, they, too were not without their faults. Exploring ancient Shaper Ruins on Xu, the Circle discovered the Allfire, the source of all magic, together with old scriptures foretelling the Convocation – a cataclysmic event during which Aonir’s Eye would become covered by a dark roamer, allowing powerful individuals to bind them to their will. At first, the Circle used the Allfire for good, much like the Shapers once did, but they could not escape its call for power. Its members would begin quarrelling with each other, causing a divide that resulted in the Convocation Wars. | The Circle ushered in an age of prosperity and peace, bringing Eo into a golden era that would last for centuries: however, they, too were not without their faults. Exploring ancient Shaper Ruins on Xu, the Circle discovered the Allfire, the source of all magic, together with old scriptures foretelling the Convocation – a cataclysmic event during which Aonir’s Eye would become covered by a dark roamer, allowing powerful individuals to bind them to their will. At first, the Circle used the Allfire for good, much like the Shapers once did, but they could not escape its call for power. Its members would begin quarrelling with each other, causing a divide that resulted in the Convocation Wars. | ||
| Line 52: | Line 56: | ||
=Lore Summary (Game Spoilers)= | =Lore Summary (Game Spoilers)= | ||
'''SPOILER WARNING : This section summarises the events of SpellForce: The Order of Dawn and onward''' | '''SPOILER WARNING: This section summarises the events of SpellForce: The Order of Dawn and onward''' | ||
Once Aonir's star had been uncovered | Once Aonir's star had been uncovered, the Elements awoke from their slumber, changing the world forever. | ||
This would have been the end of this world, were it not for [[Rohen Tahir]], a mage of the Circle to survive the ordeal. Cured from his obsession with power, he spent the following years creating the portals that would mend the broken pieces of Eo. As he neared the completion of his work, dark clouds were rising on the horizon once again. Wishing for a protector of what remained, Rohen summoned a rune warrior, bestowing her with her rune and giving her free will – his final act before tragically meeting his end at his own hands. [[Phoenix Bearer|The Rune Warrior]] would search for ways to stop the new thread, leading her to the [[Phoenix Stone]] – an ornament containing [[the Phoenix]], a being of pure Allfire. She would obtain it in the ruins of Mulandir and face Rohen’s killer, only to realise that she mustn’t stop him, for it was Rohen himself, appearing through time to complete a cycle he is unaware of. Had he died now, he would never have created the portals that became Eo’s salvation, and so she watched as he walked into a portal through time, taking him to the past where the cycle would start anew. However, time would continue to flow freely, and so the Rune Warrior, hence known as the Phoenix bearer, would take the Stone with her, returning to Fiara where she had hoped to find her peace. | This would have been the end of this world, were it not for [[Rohen Tahir]], a mage of the Circle to survive the ordeal. Cured from his obsession with power, he spent the following years creating the portals that would mend the broken pieces of Eo. As he neared the completion of his work, dark clouds were rising on the horizon once again. Wishing for a protector of what remained, Rohen summoned a rune warrior, bestowing her with her rune and giving her free will – his final act before tragically meeting his end at his own hands. [[Phoenix Bearer|The Rune Warrior]] would search for ways to stop the new thread, leading her to the [[Phoenix Stone]] – an ornament containing [[the Phoenix]], a being of pure Allfire. She would obtain it in the ruins of Mulandir and face Rohen’s killer, only to realise that she mustn’t stop him, for it was Rohen himself, appearing through time to complete a cycle he is unaware of. Had he died now, he would never have created the portals that became Eo’s salvation, and so she watched as he walked into a portal through time, taking him to the past where the cycle would start anew. However, time would continue to flow freely, and so the Rune Warrior, hence known as the Phoenix bearer, would take the Stone with her, returning to Fiara where she had hoped to find her peace. | ||
| Line 60: | Line 64: | ||
Two years had passed, and another [[Shadow Warrior|Rune Warrior]] had been summoned in the thick marshes of Urgath. Following the destruction of the convocation, some of the Fial Darg had escaped their prison, now plotting ways to bring their masters back to Eo. One such Fial Darg would abduct [[Cenwen]], the Queen of the Ice Elves of [[Tirganach]], from the nest of [[Aryn]]. This awakened the godlike Dragon, seeking to return the queen to his side. His roars upheaved the land, pressing the second rune warrior to obtain the Shadow Blade – a weapon not of this world, capable of mortally wounding the mighty Fial Darg. His quest would be successful and the queen returned to the Dragon, but victory came at a cost, for the soul of the rune slave, from now known as the Shadow Warrior, would slowly become consumed by the blade, forcing him to turn to a mysterious masked figure to mend his pain. | Two years had passed, and another [[Shadow Warrior|Rune Warrior]] had been summoned in the thick marshes of Urgath. Following the destruction of the convocation, some of the Fial Darg had escaped their prison, now plotting ways to bring their masters back to Eo. One such Fial Darg would abduct [[Cenwen]], the Queen of the Ice Elves of [[Tirganach]], from the nest of [[Aryn]]. This awakened the godlike Dragon, seeking to return the queen to his side. His roars upheaved the land, pressing the second rune warrior to obtain the Shadow Blade – a weapon not of this world, capable of mortally wounding the mighty Fial Darg. His quest would be successful and the queen returned to the Dragon, but victory came at a cost, for the soul of the rune slave, from now known as the Shadow Warrior, would slowly become consumed by the blade, forcing him to turn to a mysterious masked figure to mend his pain. | ||
Unbeknownst to him, the mysterious individual was none other than the Circle Mage [[Hokan Ashir]] – destroyed by his magic during the Convocation, only to be brought to life by his most prized possession, the [[Mask of Belial]]. Knoweth, to obtain the Phoenix, the Phoenix Bearer offered Hokan’s spirit the mask, allowing the greatest necromancer of all time to return to the world of the living, conspiring | Unbeknownst to him, the mysterious individual was none other than the Circle Mage [[Hokan Ashir]] – destroyed by his magic during the Convocation, only to be brought to life by his most prized possession, the [[Mask of Belial]]. Knoweth, to obtain the Phoenix, the Phoenix Bearer offered Hokan’s spirit the mask, allowing the greatest necromancer of all time to return to the world of the living, conspiring to merge with the demi-god [[Belial]]. He tricked [[Ereon]], the god of knowledge and justice, into the Black Jungle where the Guardians hold no power. Using his divine blood, he revived the Circle Mages, binding them to his will and using their powers for his own. Both having a piece needed to put an end to the Circle once and for all, the paths of the two rune warriors would soon converge. They pushed through Hokan's undead hordes, using the Shadow Blade to destroy the impregnable phoenix stone, setting free the creature within, allowing it take revenge on the Circle for its imprisonment. The end of the Circle marked the end of the rune – with their power to the Allfire severed, the powers of the rune faded over time as Eo entered a new era. | ||
In the years that followed, a Norcaine Archon by the name of [[Toth Lar]] sought the help of a free rune warrior known only as “[[The Messenger (Rune Warrior)|the Messenger]]”. He wished to free the soul of his father, [[Nazshar]], | In the years that followed, a Norcaine Archon by the name of [[Toth Lar]] sought the help of a free rune warrior known only as “[[The Messenger (Rune Warrior)|the Messenger]]”. He wished to free the soul of his father, [[Nazshar]], who had been imprisoned by worshippers of the light. He succeeded, allowing his father to fully unleash the Shadows onto Eo. | ||
The intrusion of the [[Shadows]] would not go without consequence. The widow of the now late Nazshar, a Norcaine named [[Sorvina]], would force the shadows into a pact, offering a part of the life force of her people in return for their services, thus permanently binding them to the [[Dark Elves]]. In a conquest to rid herself of a cruel curse, she would wage war against the Realm, looking for ways to cure herself of a cruel curse. This brought her to [[Shaikur]], the homeland of the Shaikan, children of the infamous Malacay, harbouring one of the last elder Dragons on Fiara, [[Ur]]. One of the Shaikan cursed with carrying the soul of their progenitor, would embark on a quest to save his homeland, leading him through the realms of humans, elves, dwarves, orcs and dark elves, forging alliances that would allow him to stand up to Sorvina. Though unable to save their patriarch dragon, he would defeat his killed, setting the trapped soul of Malacay free, finally able to receive its just punishment by the Gods, and ridding the Shaikan of his Curse. But the Soul Bearer’s journey wasn’t over. His people needed a new Patriarch, | The intrusion of the [[Shadows]] would not go without consequence. The widow of the now late Nazshar, a Norcaine named [[Sorvina]], would force the shadows into a pact, offering a part of the life force of her people in return for their services, thus permanently binding them to the [[Dark Elves]]. In a conquest to rid herself of a cruel curse, she would wage war against the Realm, looking for ways to cure herself of a cruel curse. This brought her to [[Shaikur]], the homeland of the Shaikan, children of the infamous Malacay, harbouring one of the last elder Dragons on Fiara, [[Ur]]. One of the Shaikan cursed with carrying the soul of their progenitor, would embark on a quest to save his homeland, leading him through the realms of humans, elves, dwarves, orcs and dark elves, forging alliances that would allow him to stand up to Sorvina. Though unable to save their patriarch dragon, he would defeat his killed, setting the trapped soul of Malacay free, finally able to receive its just punishment by the Gods, and ridding the Shaikan of his Curse. But the Soul Bearer’s journey wasn’t over. His people needed a new Patriarch, so he embarked on a journey to Godeland, the land of the old gods and refuge of ancient dragons where his fate would take a different turn. | ||
Meanwhile, the Shaikan were forced to leave Shaikur behind, settling in the province of the [[Westguard]]. There, a young Shaikan would become involved in a plot of cultists of the [[Red God]], wishing to turn the Guardian Zerbo into an idol of their design. They would eventually deceive the Guardian, breaking his spirit and reshaping him into the Red God, a deity of the demons of the Red Horde. | Meanwhile, the Shaikan were forced to leave Shaikur behind, settling in the province of the [[Westguard]]. There, a young Shaikan would become involved in a plot of cultists of the [[Red God]], wishing to turn the Guardian Zerbo into an idol of their design. They would eventually deceive the Guardian, breaking his spirit and reshaping him into the Red God, a deity of the demons of the Red Horde. | ||
Before the Soul Bearer could return to his homeland, another disaster befell Eo. Like the runes, the portals, once fuelled by Rohen’s Allfire, began losing their power. This left many islands cut off, and many others in a race against time, scrambling to contest the fruitful corners of the world. All the while, powerful mages discovered the still-living bodies of a shaper couple, the | Before the Soul Bearer could return to his homeland, another disaster befell Eo. Like the runes, the portals, once fuelled by Rohen’s Allfire, began losing their power. This left many islands cut off, and many others in a race against time, scrambling to contest the fruitful corners of the world. All the while, powerful mages discovered the still-living bodies of a shaper couple, the same ones who had first uncovered the Allfire, cursed to eternal sleep for bringing such misfortune upon their race. They awoke the pair but soon fell victim to their unrivalled power. During this, the Shaikan wished to gather at the Westguard to secure a future for their people, however, a former rune warrior turned Shaikan would not comply. He would set out, looking for the Soul Carrier’s whereabouts until meeting him in Godeland- his soul merged with the soul of a dragon. Their reunion was cut short, however, by the Shaper who wished to eradicate the Dragons – the only threat to his reign over Eo. He was ultimately unsuccessful, defeated by the former rune warrior. Fusing his body with the Allfire, he managed to cut the Shaper’s soul from this world while the Allfire’s immense power burned his own. His fate was to be the same, were he not saved by the Dragons – him, too, transferring his soul into one of their kin, protecting it from the heat of the source of all magic. | ||
So far, no way has been found to re-ignite the portals, but with the Dragons returning to Eo, its people will find a way and they will do so using their own power. | So far, no way has been found to re-ignite the portals, but with the Dragons returning to Eo, its people will find a way and they will do so using their own power. | ||
| Line 76: | Line 80: | ||
==Timeline== | ==Timeline== | ||
A comprehensive timeline is provided | A comprehensive timeline is provided on our SpellForce Fan Website. You can find it by clicking on [https://www.spellforce.info/tab_thegames_universe.php?lang=EN#timeline this] link | ||
=Races= | |||
==Light Races== | |||
There are many various races on Eo - too many to put into this guide - so for the sake of simplicity, I'll only cover what many would consider the major ones: '''Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Orcs, Trolls, and Dark Elves | |||
''' | |||
There are not only many other races that exist on Eo, but also a lot more lore surrounding the six mentioned here. | |||
===Humans=== | |||
[[File:HumanSF1.PNG|right|thumb|200px]] | |||
There may well have never been a human empire, nor the legends of the Dragon Slayers, if many millennia ago, a few dwarves had not set out from their home in Grimwarg to seek adventure in the distant peaks of the Windwall mountains. They had hoped to find good stone, valuable metals, and a new home, but found only barren rock and a few tribes of wild barbarians living in inhospitable caves in the frozen heights. And though these creatures appeared to the dwarves as weak and primitive – their lifespan was barely longer than that of most animals – they immediately recognised the willpower and lifeforce that had been instilled in these creatures. Impressed by the barbarians, the dwarves stayed and began to teach them of the world, the Gods, and the art of forging. | |||
Never would those dwarves have thought that their actions might change the world forever. Greedily, the humans devoured their knowledge, learning each move and all the wisdom of their teachers, and this wisdom spread like wildfire. Soon, the first smith’s hammers began to ring in the Windwalls and formed the first of the great swords that were to become the human’s trademark. With these weapons, they descended from the mountains and took control of the plains, their numbers ever increasing. The Age of Swords had begun. | |||
Although the mighty dragons were the undisputed rulers of the Fiara, even their formidable might could not stop the humans’ advance. With lances and swords, they confronted the ancient lizards and accomplished the impossible, a feat that neither dwarf nor elf had managed: They drove back the dragons. With courage and creativity, they defeated one mighty dragon after another and filled the once-empty plains with villages and cities. | |||
With their victory over the ancient rulers of Fiara began the rise of the humans, a race that was both good and evil, courageous and cowardly, strong and yet weak, the strangest and most varied of all races of this world. And with their rise came cities, trade, money, and war. | |||
===Elves=== | |||
[[File:ElfSF1.PNG|right|thumb|200px]] | |||
The Elves, the oldest and noblest of all races, come from the forests of southern Fiara. The magnificent trees of the Finon Mir provided protection against the powerful dragons, allowing these children of nature to prosper and live in relative peace under the roof of leaves. Elves grow tall, yet are of delicate stature, and their lifespan is much longer than that of other races. What they may lack in physical strength is more than compensated by their bravery and wisdom. | |||
For as long as they can remember, the elves lived peacefully in their forests, but with the demise of the dragons came humans, and with them trade and war. In the end, the elves were forced to either fight or perish – and fight they did, earning themselves a reputation as feared warriors, better as friends than as foes. Today, the elves have allied with humans and dwarves in order to face the menace of the dark races. | |||
None can match their prowess with the longbow and they have learned to use the magic of nature and ice. The mages of the Circle knew of the elvish talent for magic and their use in battle. Thus they created many runes to make use of their skills. Since the wars against the dark races and the time of the Circle, the elves have been living in different tribes all across Fiara. | |||
===Dwarves=== | |||
[[File:DwarfSF1.PNG|right|thumb|200px]] | |||
The best weapons and armour in Fiara come from the dark slopes of the Grimwarg Peaks and the snow-covered summits of the Windwall Mountains, items that are highly valued and traded among the races of the light. These amazing wares are forged by the smiths of the dwarves, a race small in height, but of amazing strength and unshakeable courage. Like the elves, the dwarves are an ancient race that survived the reign of the dragons hidden deep in the labyrinth of caverns under the Windwall Mountains. While the giant lizards ruled the air, the dwarves drove the mines and shafts of their stony home deeper and deeper in the rock. There, they found discovered their destiny to work with rock and ore, bonding with the spirits of the earth and the god whose realm is the rock foundation of the world. They became the servants of Niethalf, the Soulsmith and Warrior God, who deep under the surface forges the souls of all living creatures until they become strong and solid. And so it came that the dwarves also became a strong race, a race of builders and blacksmiths, but also of warriors and heroes. | |||
Courage and strength are the pillars of their life, and despite being known for a certain greed for gold and other jewellery, they are the only values they truly recognize. And though they may often seem reserved and condescending, they are always ready to help a true friend in need of their aid. Today the dwarves not only live in the dark shafts under the peaks of Grimwarg but have created imposing cities of stone where they trade with the other races of the light. These are Fastholme, which stands under the old mines at the foot of the Grimwarg Mountains, and Windholme, which is an imposing sight in front of the snow-covered peaks of the Windwall, where it provides cover from the southern storms. There, the hammers of the master smiths ring constantly and merchants loaded with the most valuable of steel and silver travel to all regions of Fiara. And when it comes to war, the closed ranks of dwarf warriors will march from there with their indestructible armour and feared axes, always ready to support their brothers of the light. | |||
==Dark Races== | |||
===Orcs=== | |||
[[File:OrcSF1.PNG|right|thumb|200px]] | |||
When Ulm the Caretaker broke the rules of his father Aonir and became Zarach the Bloodthirsty, his first goal was to create his own race, a people who would follow him blindly and worship him only. Driven by this desire, he began to shape new forms of life, moulding them with his will, and produced all manner of heinous creatures. Incomplete and deformed were these beings, horribly disfigured and unfit to survive for long, let alone breed. | |||
Enraged by many years of fruitless labour, he descended to the earth and stole the children of the noble races, races that had been created by the natural order of his father. Abusing the perfection they had received through Aonir’s power, he infected them with his evil and formed them to his liking. Thus he was able to create his own race, strong and enduring creatures in which he instilled a bloodthirst and longing for battle. He named his creation “orc”, which in the dark tongue means “conqueror”. | |||
They were chosen to be the bearers of his will, to be dogs of war, existing only to mercilessly conquer all other races and taint Aonir’s world with the sign of the Blood God. In dark temples in the middle of the steaming jungles of Xu he gave them life and from there, he drove them out into the plains, where the orcs’ existence began. It was a brutal and sparse life that the first tribes led, but with their bestial instincts and their seemingly endless endurance, they not only survived but increased their numbers rapidly. Great hordes soon began to scour the lands, looking for prey, and in their settlements the sound of blacksmith’s hammers was always to be heard, forging iron into make weapons. Their instincts often drove them to imprudent behaviour, yet a part of the old races’ wisdom survived within these beasts. An orc may be greedy and combative, but he is not stupid. | |||
Zarach’s nefarious plan to conquer the old races might even have succeeded, had his orcs not been so eager to do battle, even against each other. Time and time again, bloody wars erupted between the tribes, and only a few leaders were ever able to unite the tribes – and then only for a short while. If ever a tribe leader were strong enough to assemble the armies of all tribes for an extended amount of time, the other races would hardly stand a chance. Even now, most tremble in fear at the sound of orcs crying for blood. | |||
===Trolls=== | |||
[[File:TrollSF1.PNG|right|thumb|200px]] | |||
After having created the wild orcs, Zarach was dissatisfied with his creation and angered by his failure. He had hoped to create kings of the battlefield but had only succeeded in fabricating simple warriors. And so he began anew, distorting the bodies of captured creatures to monstrous size and burning out any part of them that was not useful for battle and killing. | |||
And thus he created the trolls. He made them stronger than any other race, more enduring and almost immune to pain, but in his eagerness to create a race of ultimate warriors, he took too much of their spirit, rendering them simpleminded and emotionless. | |||
While the trolls are the undisputed rulers on the battlefield, they live as paupers in simple housings of stone and wood. Their limited skills and intellect only allow them to roughly trim rock and fashion simple clubs from tree trunks. They are as poor in mind as they are art, without legends, songs, living only for the now, for food and to kill. | |||
This is the price they pay for the incomparable strength and wildness that makes them raging beasts on the battlefield, whom neither spears nor arrows can stop. They know neither pain nor fatigue, and their insatiable lust for blood drives them like a storm through the ranks of their enemies, their tree-like clubs killing and maiming wherever they land. What trolls lack in dexterity and cunning, they compensate with strength and power of resistance, and their ability to fight even after having sustained mortal wounds. Pain does not weaken them, it only makes them angry. And despite their primitive weapons and armour, and their lack of tactical thinking, an army of trolls is like a wave of destruction that can, with the right guidance, win battles by brute force alone. | |||
===Dark Elves=== | |||
[[File:DarkElfSF1.PNG|right|thumb|200px]] | |||
Nor, the Silverweaver, god of night and lord of the silver disc of the moon, was the first guardian to descend to the earth and tell the races of the guardian gods and their duties. But with time, the races forgot his teachings and turned away from the cool master of darkness, seeking instead solitude with the gods of light and the sun. Disappointed and spurned, Nor was quick to side with the renegade Zarach when the gods began to disunite. As a token of gratitude, Zarach created a race for his dark brother, a race that for all times would be devoted to Nor, master of the night. From the pure essence of the elves, he formed the most beautiful, perfect and deadly of the dark races, the Norcaine – also known as Dark Elves. | |||
Their spirit is sharp and cold as the light of the full moon, and they are as quick and merciless as the icy nightwind. War is their art, battle their poetry. They live to sow destruction and neither hope nor joy is necessary to give them courage. Perfect tools of death, they show no weakness, despair or fatigue. Their entire days and nights are spent worshipping and praying to Nor, their master, and destroying the light-seeking worms whose gods forced him into exile. | |||
It is their sharp intellect and discipline that makes the Dark Elves so dangerous and that almost decided the War of Six Races for the Dark ones. From Urgath they came to Fiara with their brothers in arms, the orcs and trolls. Once the war was over, they stayed and founded the realm of Lar on the nebulous east coast. There, they raised towers of obsidian and forged heavy armour and moonblades, which they would use in uncounted cruel battles against the races of the light. | |||
=Gods= | |||
The '''Gods of Eo''' are best thought of as very powerful mages, more powerful than any being of Eo could hope to achieve. However, despite their vast power, they aren't omnipotent and have their own faults. | |||
In the world of SpellForce, these beings are called the '''Guardians''', with '''Renegades''' as their opposite, all sons and daughters of '''Aonir''', the god of stars who once came to Eo to give it the gift of life | |||
At the current last moment in the timeline, there are six guardians, those being: | |||
*[[Elen]] | |||
Goddess of Nature and the Elves. | |||
*[[Ereon]] | |||
God of scholars and mages. | |||
*[[Hirin]] | |||
God of time and death. | |||
*[[Niethalf]] | |||
God of warriors, especially worshipped by the Dwarves. | |||
*[[Shanna]] | |||
Goddess of craftsmen, worshipped by Humans. | |||
*[[Tiara]] | |||
Patron of Paladins and goddess of humans | |||
The Renegades include three members: | |||
*[[Zarach]] | |||
Formerly known as the guardian Ulm | |||
*[[Nor]] | |||
God of the Dark Elves | |||
*[[Zerbo]] | |||
God of free-traders and thieves, recently turned into the Red God. | |||
Apart from those, there are other beings on Eo that could be considered Gods or Demi-Gods. | |||
==Aonir's sacrifice and his instructions for the Guardians== | |||
And so Aonir, the Wanderer, descended onto Eo after weaving the bane and forming the face of the earth out of the elements. There he planted the Seed of Life, the most valuable of all his assets. | |||
When he was finished, he lingered there. Weakened and fatigued, he wished to return home to the distant shores he had once set off from. However, the concern for his new creation would not cease from his mind. | |||
Therefore he sent his light out across the Star Sea and called for his children. They soon hurried across the Eternal Abyss to stand by his side, and he spoke: “See my creation. I have formed a fertile terrain out of this once-broken world. And the Seed of Life will soon bloom. However, I cannot dwell here to tend to my creation. Therefore I have called you to fulfil this duty.” | |||
“Father,” his children replied, “the powers you have banned are merely asleep. Even if we unified our powers, we would never be as mighty as you are. How will we be able to face all the dangers to come?” | |||
“No worries!”, the Wanderer answered. “As long as the shine of my light can be seen glowing from the distant shores of our homestead, my powers and the bane will be in effect. I shed my blood to make this world a part of me, like many others before.” | |||
With these words, Aonir forged a blade of sharp stone and jabbed it into his body. Many drops of his blood fell onto the face of Eo. Wherever a drop touched the land, it turned into the purest crystal and the Godstones were formed. | |||
Exhausted, the Wanderer spoke to his children: “From now on my power shall guide you. Though there are yet many challenges awaiting you. Tiara, eldest of my children, your home shall be the Disc of the Sun. And as you dance among the flames, you will offer life here the necessary light and warmth it requires to survive. May you never tire, Tiara. | |||
Nor, my son, you shall receive the Disc of the Moon as your reign. Watch over the nights and the creature’s sleep once Tiara has moved on. Your light will shine cold, but it will be a welcome sign for the creatures of the night. | |||
Daughter Elen, wander through the country and guard the forces of life. Watch over the treasures of nature, the plants and the creatures of the forests. Give them the water they so urgently need to survive and be their friend and protector. | |||
Ulm, you shall be the Keeper of Diversity and Change. Nothing shall last forever and change shall determine the face of this world. May your powers give the flowers their colours and the creatures their variety. | |||
Niethalf, your might shall form them and strengthen them. You will give them the power they need to survive. As we know, this world will not be without dangers. In the depths of the earth I want you to forge their souls, giving them courage and truthfulness; willpower and strength. | |||
However, you will also encounter those who are weak or double-minded, the ones who do not pursue their lives based on the truth. They too, shall have an advocate, and that shall be you, Zerbo. Your deceitfulness and finesse shall offer them assistance and provide an example. | |||
Shanna, my daughter, you will pass graciousness and blandness on to this world. In the homes and families, your soft hand shall guide their way. Show them the joy of life, of work and of being together. | |||
Hirin, you will be the Harbinger, the one to bring good and bad. You shall accompany the souls of the dying to the Halls of Death and guide those born into life. Sleep, death and dreams, but also happiness and health will be the goods you trade. May they fear you and love you at the same time. | |||
And at last you, Ereon. You will be the Keeper of their Knowledge. Science, research and magic shall provide a better future for the races. You shall take down all their knowledge and legislations in a book, so that I may learn the story of my creation when the end of time arrives. | |||
Now set off and fulfill these duties until the end of this world has come. In return, every creature shall render homage to you in thankfulness and loyalty, as you are their guardians and their preservers. Yet keep in mind: my creation is immaculate; it is the beginning and the end, the present and the future. The Seed of Life shall sprout and grow, as I have created it. Watch over it, for every life is unique.” | |||
And with that, the Stargod Aonir quit speaking and left Eo to return to the shores of his homeland. From there his light shines protective over his children as they now protect us. | |||
Nonetheless, they shall never interfere in our history and never shall they join forces with the creatures of Eo, nor shall they accept them as friends. These are the Rules of Aonir and they apply to the gods as well as the creatures of Eo. Whoever breaks them shall accept the curse of the Father God. | |||
=The Circle= | |||
[[File:Circle Front Page.png|left|thumb|200px]] | |||
Though there have been many important individuals who have shaped the history of Eo, the members of the Circle were arguably the most impactful. | |||
At all times, Mages have brought about unrest in the world with their thirst for knowledge and power. The Circle was founded by an agreement of all nations to put an end to the intrigues of the magicians. The thirteen most powerful Mages of the nations, adherents of both light and darkness, joined the Circle. They selected the city of Mulandir, built by one of its members, Isgrimm, as their seat, independent of all governments. | |||
For long, the Mages of the Circle discharged their tasks with earnestness, establishing an era of peace and justice. They deciphered the secret of the Allfire, which extended their lives and gave them power far beyond any known sorcery. For hundreds of years, they would guide the destiny of the realms from the shadows. However, such power comes at a price, and their minds would soon begin scheming once more, bringing peace to an end and casting Eo into disarray. | |||
The '''members''' of the Circle were: | |||
*[[Rohen Tahir]] | |||
Rohen is one of the most powerful Circle Mages and knowledgeable in many areas. He has perfected his skills with Elemental magic, particularly in the fields of fire and ice. Obsessed with magic and the domination of Archfire, he is constantly seeking out new ways to master its powers. He commands an army of orcs to do his bidding. | |||
*[[Hokan Ashir]] | |||
One of the most powerful necromancers to have ever lived, feared even by some of his fellow Circle Mages. As a young Zerbite, he discovered the Mask of Belial while exploring the Black Jungle on Xu. His purpose seems to be the creation of ever new forms of Undead and he is constantly seeking new ways to build his armies. | |||
*[[Uram the Red]] | |||
Uram was a powerful occultist talented in the field of fire magic which gained him the title "the Red" during his time at the Circle. A demonologist of the highest order and one of the pioneers of exploring the demonic realm, Uram is constantly seeking to advance his influence on the demon realm and summon ever greater servants. | |||
*[[Shar from the Isles]] | |||
A mage who did the seemingly impossible: bringing the Medusas of the Lost Islands under his control, earning him a seat in the circle. His servants now guard the halls and towers of the circle. His forte also lay in the field of earth magic. | |||
*[[Raith the Black]] | |||
Raith is a powerful Norcaine Dark Mage who once uncovered the secrets of the City of Souls, which earned him a seat on the Circle of Mages. He excels in Black Magic and has shown little regard for the affairs of others, though he is known to be searching for Hirin’s Hourglass, seeking to conquer death and time itself. | |||
*[[Ianna the Singer]] | |||
Ianna’s charming personality hides a darker side, where her mastery in Mentalism lets her see everyone as merely a toy to play with in one of her elaborate parties. Staying on her good side is going to take a guided tongue and outright flattery. | |||
*[[Isgrimm the Smith]] | |||
Isgrimm perfected the use and study of the glyphs and by seeking out and studying Shaper artefacts has become the greatest of artificers and the greatest Stoneshaper of Windholme. As the builder of Mulandir, the seat of the Circle, his pride in his creations knows no bounds and he is constantly seeking new ways to hone his craft. | |||
*[[Zahaar the Snake]] | |||
Zahaar is a hexer of the Norcaine, master of poisons and other sinister types of magic, often out, searching for ways to hone his craft. His poisons are renowned across Eo for bringing certain, painful death. | |||
*[[Yria of the Light]] | |||
Yria was one of the pure-blooded elves from Finon Mir. Due to her prowess in White Magic, she became a famous healer and dedicated herself to securing peace across Eo, trying to heal the wounds torn by war and strife. Do not mistake that for weakness – Yria has ways to pacify you with or without your cooperation. | |||
*[[Gor the Changeling]] | |||
Gor was born into the Grarg Orc clan on Urgath and has studied beasts and monsters of all kinds, to enable him to take their form. It is said that he is able to transform into beasts tall as the sky and so terrifying that just looking at them will make your heart stop beating. He is also a skilled summoner of earth magic. | |||
*[[Silverhand, Master of Mirrors]] | |||
Silverhand is the best illusionist of his time, using his mental images and mirages to mislead friends and foes alike. He seldom acts himself, but his eyes and ears are always close to the happenings of Eo. | |||
*[[Undergast the Weaver]] | |||
Undergast is the most accomplished scholar of the Circle, his thirst for knowledge and books second to none. He may be a worthwhile ally if you are willing to give up your knowledge, but will stop at nothing to obtain it if you are not. | |||
*[[The Piper]] | |||
Joining as the final member of the Circle, the Piper was a prodigy at various kinds of magic, but perhaps best well known for his mental spells and charisma that allowed him to win the favour of many, which is why his armies often consisted of all kinds of races and creatures. | |||
=Geography= | |||
The geography of Eo, time-wise, is separated into the pre- and post-convocation eras. | |||
Before the cataclysmic event, Eo looked as it does below, comprised of 5 major continents, Fiara in the middle, Xu to the south, Urgath to the east of Fiara, Godeland to the far East and Inenland to the far West. | |||
[[File:WorldMap.jpg|center|thumb|800px]] | |||
However, after the Convocation had split most of Eo apart, it now resembles more of a sea with islands scattered throughout it, only surviving by surrounding the Godstones of Aonir. Sadly, there is no map to accurately depict this. | |||
If you want to know more about individual places on Eo, consider checking out this '''interactive map''' we made for it: https://world.spellforce.info/ | |||
Latest revision as of 09:27, 20 June 2024
Preface
This guide is based on the canon information of various SpellForce games.
These include:
- SpellForce: The Order of Dawn
- SpellForce: Breath of Winter
- SpellForce: Shadow of the Phoenix
- SpellForce 2: Shadow Wars
- SpellForce 2: Dragon Storm
- SpellForce: Conquest of Eo
and their various external sources, such as official short stories and information released on the old website back in the day.
This guide doesn't include any information from:
- SpellForce 2: Faith in Destiny
- SpellForce 2: Demons of the Past
- SpellForce 3 (and its Add-Ons)
Due to various lore breaks, the story of Faith in Destiny and Demons of the Past have been confirmed inside the respective games as being a mirage that doesn't happen in reality, thus making the events inconsequential to the lore.
Similarly, due to all the SpellForce 3 games consisting of many lore elements that aren't just improbable, but often contradictory to the canon, I have decided not to include any information from it since it would undoubtedly lead to problems and conflicting statements, both of which cannot be true at the same time.
Not everyone may agree with this, but in my opinion, it's necessary to keep the objective integrity of the lore intact.
Lore Summary (No Spoilers)
The story of Eo began aeons ago when Aonir crossed the vast sea of stars, stepping foot on the then-desolate planet. Deciding to halt the primal elements raging on it, he banished them deep under Eo’s surface, using their vast power to form the countenance of this world: the mountains, valleys and rivers, before giving Eo his most precious gift, the Seed of Life out of which all life would be born. His work had been completed, but he wished not to leave it unattended. Thus, he called upon his nine children to join his side, assigning each of them a role they are to fulfil in his new world: the Guardians. However, before his departure, he forbade them from interfering in this world’s events, for it shall take its path – for better or worse. Then, he returned to the stary brinks of his homeland, leaving a fraction of his power behind in the form of Godstones, drops of his divine blood that would keep the Elements in check and allow Eo a future.
Eventually, life began to flourish on Eo, and among its first inhabitants were two beings that would dictate its future for the coming millennia: the Shapers and the Dragons, also known as the first races. The Shapers were a curious people, deeply connected to magic and filled with an adventurous spirit. Their prowess allowed them to form their thoughts into crystals, constructing many wonderous constructs and cities all across Eo. However, their curiosity would eventually cause their downfall. Having discovered the Allfire on Xu, their race fell victim to greed, slowly getting destroyed from the inside. Fearing enslavement, the Dragons arose from their nests in Godeland and used their Allfire-infused flame to destroy the Shapers. Only a few managed to escape, hiding in remote regions of Eo. Over time, they would return to barbarism and change into the Humans, Elves and Dwarves.
What followed were 40,000 years of the rule of the Dragons. The Elves and Dwarves, having established new civilisations and cultures, remained in hiding. It wasn’t until the Dwarves of the Grimwarg Mountains ventured to the Windwall in search of ore that they discovered the Humans, then still barbarians cowering away in icy caves. They taught them of the world and the craft of smithing, and so the Humans descended into the valleys below, managing to use their wit to overpower the mighty Dragons. They soon expanded all across Fiara and even across places in Urgath and Xu, driving the Dragons back to Godeland and bringing their age to an end – the Age of Swords had begun.
The Humans had established their first empire, its members known as the Hybernians – their influence spread across most of Fiara, Urgath and Xu. This was a time of prosperity for the Humans, the age of great individuals, such as Alchemist and Royal Advisor: Janus Malacay who would go on to mix his blood with the blood of ancient Dragons, creating the Shaikan. Though the Dwarves befriended the Humans, the Elves underneath the treetops of Finon Mir saw their arrival as ill will. They prevented the Humans from entering their borders, resulting in minor skirmishes. Their conflict, however, ends in a stalemate, interrupted by the creation of the Dark Races in the deep jungles of Xu, forcing the adversaries to join forces.
Zarach, formerly known as the Guardian Ulm, the Caretaker, and his brother Nor leave the circle of the Guardians, unhappy with the task their Father had given them, turning Renegades. Unable to create new life like his father, Zarach abducted many of Eo’s creatures into his Bone Temple, distorting their bodies until he had made the Orcs and Trolls. Eventually, he turned Elves into the Norcaine as a gift for his brother, Nor, before completing his ultimate creation: the Fial Darg, beings meant to serve as leaders of his armies.
The Guardians quickly uncovered their ploy, and so they banished them from Eo for breaking Aonir’s rules. Nonetheless, their creations remained, now seeking revenge for their Renegade gods. They left the jungle and hurled themselves onto the Humans residing in the scorching deserts of Xu. Initially, the Dark Ones were defeated and forced to flee to Urgath, but they would soon return. Led by the Fial Darg, they crossed the Sea of Dreams to Fiara, and so began what would become known as the War of the Six Races – a 150-year-long conflict between the forces of Light and Darkness.
Slowly winning the upper hand, the Dark Ones managed to push the defenders of Humans, Elves and Dwarves to the North of Fiara. They fought valiantly, however, they were unable to harm the Fial Darg and thus lacked the means to decide the war for themselves. The once grand Hybernian Empire collapsed during this war, splitting apart into Nortander, the Highmark and Empyria. Faced with the annihilation of Aonir’s creation, the Guardians ignored the rules of their father, descending onto Eo to aid the races of the light. They erected a wall of stone, stalling the advance of their foes, but it helped little, for the Fial Darg hurled their troops against it restlessly, until step-like moulds started to form, allowing them to climb it. Atop, the Guardian Niethalf gifted the mortals secrets of his forge, bestowing upon them the knowledge to craft armours able to withstand the weapons of their enemy. Together, they were able to defeat the Dark Ones. Unable to be killed, the Fial Darg were imprisoned by the Guardians beneath Aonir’s Blade, the very mountain their father had used to pierce his side at the dawn of time.
The Dark Races were spared, yet were leaderless and lost, roaming Fiara aimlessly until they, too, started creating their nations: peace had temporarily found its place on Eo. But this time would not last for long. Soon, the power-hungry mages of all nations began rising, causing discord in their midst. Uproars known as the Mage Wars would soon erupt across Eo, causing the races to put their differences aside in the search for solutions. After a mage uprising in Nortander had been quelled, it was decided in unison that an order of the most powerful mages of Eo must be established to prevent further misuse of magic. The Circle had been created, eventually comprising the 13 most powerful mages of their time. They built the city of Mulandir, independent of all kingdoms and realms, poised to virtuously uphold their goals.
The Circle ushered in an age of prosperity and peace, bringing Eo into a golden era that would last for centuries: however, they, too were not without their faults. Exploring ancient Shaper Ruins on Xu, the Circle discovered the Allfire, the source of all magic, together with old scriptures foretelling the Convocation – a cataclysmic event during which Aonir’s Eye would become covered by a dark roamer, allowing powerful individuals to bind them to their will. At first, the Circle used the Allfire for good, much like the Shapers once did, but they could not escape its call for power. Its members would begin quarrelling with each other, causing a divide that resulted in the Convocation Wars.
For decades, the former members of the Circle settled their disputes on the battlefields of Eo, using the Runes they had recently created to enslave and summon immortal armies adhering to their will. These wars devastated many parts of Eo, leaving them desolate and empty. They culminated in the Convocation, with the members of the circle eagerly calling upon the elements, freeing them from their slumber but for a brief moment. However, they did not know that the prophecy of the convocation had been a lie forged by the Renegades, given to the Fial Darg as a bitter act of revenge before their banishment from this world. The Elements were freed, yet none of the Circle could control them – none could except Aonir, the god of the stars. For an entire day and night, they raged across Eo, obliterating its countenance until nought but isolated islands remained.
Lore Summary (Game Spoilers)
SPOILER WARNING: This section summarises the events of SpellForce: The Order of Dawn and onward
Once Aonir's star had been uncovered, the Elements awoke from their slumber, changing the world forever.
This would have been the end of this world, were it not for Rohen Tahir, a mage of the Circle to survive the ordeal. Cured from his obsession with power, he spent the following years creating the portals that would mend the broken pieces of Eo. As he neared the completion of his work, dark clouds were rising on the horizon once again. Wishing for a protector of what remained, Rohen summoned a rune warrior, bestowing her with her rune and giving her free will – his final act before tragically meeting his end at his own hands. The Rune Warrior would search for ways to stop the new thread, leading her to the Phoenix Stone – an ornament containing the Phoenix, a being of pure Allfire. She would obtain it in the ruins of Mulandir and face Rohen’s killer, only to realise that she mustn’t stop him, for it was Rohen himself, appearing through time to complete a cycle he is unaware of. Had he died now, he would never have created the portals that became Eo’s salvation, and so she watched as he walked into a portal through time, taking him to the past where the cycle would start anew. However, time would continue to flow freely, and so the Rune Warrior, hence known as the Phoenix bearer, would take the Stone with her, returning to Fiara where she had hoped to find her peace.
Two years had passed, and another Rune Warrior had been summoned in the thick marshes of Urgath. Following the destruction of the convocation, some of the Fial Darg had escaped their prison, now plotting ways to bring their masters back to Eo. One such Fial Darg would abduct Cenwen, the Queen of the Ice Elves of Tirganach, from the nest of Aryn. This awakened the godlike Dragon, seeking to return the queen to his side. His roars upheaved the land, pressing the second rune warrior to obtain the Shadow Blade – a weapon not of this world, capable of mortally wounding the mighty Fial Darg. His quest would be successful and the queen returned to the Dragon, but victory came at a cost, for the soul of the rune slave, from now known as the Shadow Warrior, would slowly become consumed by the blade, forcing him to turn to a mysterious masked figure to mend his pain.
Unbeknownst to him, the mysterious individual was none other than the Circle Mage Hokan Ashir – destroyed by his magic during the Convocation, only to be brought to life by his most prized possession, the Mask of Belial. Knoweth, to obtain the Phoenix, the Phoenix Bearer offered Hokan’s spirit the mask, allowing the greatest necromancer of all time to return to the world of the living, conspiring to merge with the demi-god Belial. He tricked Ereon, the god of knowledge and justice, into the Black Jungle where the Guardians hold no power. Using his divine blood, he revived the Circle Mages, binding them to his will and using their powers for his own. Both having a piece needed to put an end to the Circle once and for all, the paths of the two rune warriors would soon converge. They pushed through Hokan's undead hordes, using the Shadow Blade to destroy the impregnable phoenix stone, setting free the creature within, allowing it take revenge on the Circle for its imprisonment. The end of the Circle marked the end of the rune – with their power to the Allfire severed, the powers of the rune faded over time as Eo entered a new era.
In the years that followed, a Norcaine Archon by the name of Toth Lar sought the help of a free rune warrior known only as “the Messenger”. He wished to free the soul of his father, Nazshar, who had been imprisoned by worshippers of the light. He succeeded, allowing his father to fully unleash the Shadows onto Eo.
The intrusion of the Shadows would not go without consequence. The widow of the now late Nazshar, a Norcaine named Sorvina, would force the shadows into a pact, offering a part of the life force of her people in return for their services, thus permanently binding them to the Dark Elves. In a conquest to rid herself of a cruel curse, she would wage war against the Realm, looking for ways to cure herself of a cruel curse. This brought her to Shaikur, the homeland of the Shaikan, children of the infamous Malacay, harbouring one of the last elder Dragons on Fiara, Ur. One of the Shaikan cursed with carrying the soul of their progenitor, would embark on a quest to save his homeland, leading him through the realms of humans, elves, dwarves, orcs and dark elves, forging alliances that would allow him to stand up to Sorvina. Though unable to save their patriarch dragon, he would defeat his killed, setting the trapped soul of Malacay free, finally able to receive its just punishment by the Gods, and ridding the Shaikan of his Curse. But the Soul Bearer’s journey wasn’t over. His people needed a new Patriarch, so he embarked on a journey to Godeland, the land of the old gods and refuge of ancient dragons where his fate would take a different turn.
Meanwhile, the Shaikan were forced to leave Shaikur behind, settling in the province of the Westguard. There, a young Shaikan would become involved in a plot of cultists of the Red God, wishing to turn the Guardian Zerbo into an idol of their design. They would eventually deceive the Guardian, breaking his spirit and reshaping him into the Red God, a deity of the demons of the Red Horde.
Before the Soul Bearer could return to his homeland, another disaster befell Eo. Like the runes, the portals, once fuelled by Rohen’s Allfire, began losing their power. This left many islands cut off, and many others in a race against time, scrambling to contest the fruitful corners of the world. All the while, powerful mages discovered the still-living bodies of a shaper couple, the same ones who had first uncovered the Allfire, cursed to eternal sleep for bringing such misfortune upon their race. They awoke the pair but soon fell victim to their unrivalled power. During this, the Shaikan wished to gather at the Westguard to secure a future for their people, however, a former rune warrior turned Shaikan would not comply. He would set out, looking for the Soul Carrier’s whereabouts until meeting him in Godeland- his soul merged with the soul of a dragon. Their reunion was cut short, however, by the Shaper who wished to eradicate the Dragons – the only threat to his reign over Eo. He was ultimately unsuccessful, defeated by the former rune warrior. Fusing his body with the Allfire, he managed to cut the Shaper’s soul from this world while the Allfire’s immense power burned his own. His fate was to be the same, were he not saved by the Dragons – him, too, transferring his soul into one of their kin, protecting it from the heat of the source of all magic.
So far, no way has been found to re-ignite the portals, but with the Dragons returning to Eo, its people will find a way and they will do so using their own power.
If you want a summary that goes more in-depth, check out this video
Timeline
A comprehensive timeline is provided on our SpellForce Fan Website. You can find it by clicking on this link
Races
Light Races
There are many various races on Eo - too many to put into this guide - so for the sake of simplicity, I'll only cover what many would consider the major ones: Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Orcs, Trolls, and Dark Elves There are not only many other races that exist on Eo, but also a lot more lore surrounding the six mentioned here.
Humans
There may well have never been a human empire, nor the legends of the Dragon Slayers, if many millennia ago, a few dwarves had not set out from their home in Grimwarg to seek adventure in the distant peaks of the Windwall mountains. They had hoped to find good stone, valuable metals, and a new home, but found only barren rock and a few tribes of wild barbarians living in inhospitable caves in the frozen heights. And though these creatures appeared to the dwarves as weak and primitive – their lifespan was barely longer than that of most animals – they immediately recognised the willpower and lifeforce that had been instilled in these creatures. Impressed by the barbarians, the dwarves stayed and began to teach them of the world, the Gods, and the art of forging. Never would those dwarves have thought that their actions might change the world forever. Greedily, the humans devoured their knowledge, learning each move and all the wisdom of their teachers, and this wisdom spread like wildfire. Soon, the first smith’s hammers began to ring in the Windwalls and formed the first of the great swords that were to become the human’s trademark. With these weapons, they descended from the mountains and took control of the plains, their numbers ever increasing. The Age of Swords had begun. Although the mighty dragons were the undisputed rulers of the Fiara, even their formidable might could not stop the humans’ advance. With lances and swords, they confronted the ancient lizards and accomplished the impossible, a feat that neither dwarf nor elf had managed: They drove back the dragons. With courage and creativity, they defeated one mighty dragon after another and filled the once-empty plains with villages and cities. With their victory over the ancient rulers of Fiara began the rise of the humans, a race that was both good and evil, courageous and cowardly, strong and yet weak, the strangest and most varied of all races of this world. And with their rise came cities, trade, money, and war.
Elves
The Elves, the oldest and noblest of all races, come from the forests of southern Fiara. The magnificent trees of the Finon Mir provided protection against the powerful dragons, allowing these children of nature to prosper and live in relative peace under the roof of leaves. Elves grow tall, yet are of delicate stature, and their lifespan is much longer than that of other races. What they may lack in physical strength is more than compensated by their bravery and wisdom. For as long as they can remember, the elves lived peacefully in their forests, but with the demise of the dragons came humans, and with them trade and war. In the end, the elves were forced to either fight or perish – and fight they did, earning themselves a reputation as feared warriors, better as friends than as foes. Today, the elves have allied with humans and dwarves in order to face the menace of the dark races. None can match their prowess with the longbow and they have learned to use the magic of nature and ice. The mages of the Circle knew of the elvish talent for magic and their use in battle. Thus they created many runes to make use of their skills. Since the wars against the dark races and the time of the Circle, the elves have been living in different tribes all across Fiara.
Dwarves
The best weapons and armour in Fiara come from the dark slopes of the Grimwarg Peaks and the snow-covered summits of the Windwall Mountains, items that are highly valued and traded among the races of the light. These amazing wares are forged by the smiths of the dwarves, a race small in height, but of amazing strength and unshakeable courage. Like the elves, the dwarves are an ancient race that survived the reign of the dragons hidden deep in the labyrinth of caverns under the Windwall Mountains. While the giant lizards ruled the air, the dwarves drove the mines and shafts of their stony home deeper and deeper in the rock. There, they found discovered their destiny to work with rock and ore, bonding with the spirits of the earth and the god whose realm is the rock foundation of the world. They became the servants of Niethalf, the Soulsmith and Warrior God, who deep under the surface forges the souls of all living creatures until they become strong and solid. And so it came that the dwarves also became a strong race, a race of builders and blacksmiths, but also of warriors and heroes. Courage and strength are the pillars of their life, and despite being known for a certain greed for gold and other jewellery, they are the only values they truly recognize. And though they may often seem reserved and condescending, they are always ready to help a true friend in need of their aid. Today the dwarves not only live in the dark shafts under the peaks of Grimwarg but have created imposing cities of stone where they trade with the other races of the light. These are Fastholme, which stands under the old mines at the foot of the Grimwarg Mountains, and Windholme, which is an imposing sight in front of the snow-covered peaks of the Windwall, where it provides cover from the southern storms. There, the hammers of the master smiths ring constantly and merchants loaded with the most valuable of steel and silver travel to all regions of Fiara. And when it comes to war, the closed ranks of dwarf warriors will march from there with their indestructible armour and feared axes, always ready to support their brothers of the light.
Dark Races
Orcs
When Ulm the Caretaker broke the rules of his father Aonir and became Zarach the Bloodthirsty, his first goal was to create his own race, a people who would follow him blindly and worship him only. Driven by this desire, he began to shape new forms of life, moulding them with his will, and produced all manner of heinous creatures. Incomplete and deformed were these beings, horribly disfigured and unfit to survive for long, let alone breed. Enraged by many years of fruitless labour, he descended to the earth and stole the children of the noble races, races that had been created by the natural order of his father. Abusing the perfection they had received through Aonir’s power, he infected them with his evil and formed them to his liking. Thus he was able to create his own race, strong and enduring creatures in which he instilled a bloodthirst and longing for battle. He named his creation “orc”, which in the dark tongue means “conqueror”. They were chosen to be the bearers of his will, to be dogs of war, existing only to mercilessly conquer all other races and taint Aonir’s world with the sign of the Blood God. In dark temples in the middle of the steaming jungles of Xu he gave them life and from there, he drove them out into the plains, where the orcs’ existence began. It was a brutal and sparse life that the first tribes led, but with their bestial instincts and their seemingly endless endurance, they not only survived but increased their numbers rapidly. Great hordes soon began to scour the lands, looking for prey, and in their settlements the sound of blacksmith’s hammers was always to be heard, forging iron into make weapons. Their instincts often drove them to imprudent behaviour, yet a part of the old races’ wisdom survived within these beasts. An orc may be greedy and combative, but he is not stupid. Zarach’s nefarious plan to conquer the old races might even have succeeded, had his orcs not been so eager to do battle, even against each other. Time and time again, bloody wars erupted between the tribes, and only a few leaders were ever able to unite the tribes – and then only for a short while. If ever a tribe leader were strong enough to assemble the armies of all tribes for an extended amount of time, the other races would hardly stand a chance. Even now, most tremble in fear at the sound of orcs crying for blood.
Trolls
After having created the wild orcs, Zarach was dissatisfied with his creation and angered by his failure. He had hoped to create kings of the battlefield but had only succeeded in fabricating simple warriors. And so he began anew, distorting the bodies of captured creatures to monstrous size and burning out any part of them that was not useful for battle and killing. And thus he created the trolls. He made them stronger than any other race, more enduring and almost immune to pain, but in his eagerness to create a race of ultimate warriors, he took too much of their spirit, rendering them simpleminded and emotionless. While the trolls are the undisputed rulers on the battlefield, they live as paupers in simple housings of stone and wood. Their limited skills and intellect only allow them to roughly trim rock and fashion simple clubs from tree trunks. They are as poor in mind as they are art, without legends, songs, living only for the now, for food and to kill. This is the price they pay for the incomparable strength and wildness that makes them raging beasts on the battlefield, whom neither spears nor arrows can stop. They know neither pain nor fatigue, and their insatiable lust for blood drives them like a storm through the ranks of their enemies, their tree-like clubs killing and maiming wherever they land. What trolls lack in dexterity and cunning, they compensate with strength and power of resistance, and their ability to fight even after having sustained mortal wounds. Pain does not weaken them, it only makes them angry. And despite their primitive weapons and armour, and their lack of tactical thinking, an army of trolls is like a wave of destruction that can, with the right guidance, win battles by brute force alone.
Dark Elves
Nor, the Silverweaver, god of night and lord of the silver disc of the moon, was the first guardian to descend to the earth and tell the races of the guardian gods and their duties. But with time, the races forgot his teachings and turned away from the cool master of darkness, seeking instead solitude with the gods of light and the sun. Disappointed and spurned, Nor was quick to side with the renegade Zarach when the gods began to disunite. As a token of gratitude, Zarach created a race for his dark brother, a race that for all times would be devoted to Nor, master of the night. From the pure essence of the elves, he formed the most beautiful, perfect and deadly of the dark races, the Norcaine – also known as Dark Elves. Their spirit is sharp and cold as the light of the full moon, and they are as quick and merciless as the icy nightwind. War is their art, battle their poetry. They live to sow destruction and neither hope nor joy is necessary to give them courage. Perfect tools of death, they show no weakness, despair or fatigue. Their entire days and nights are spent worshipping and praying to Nor, their master, and destroying the light-seeking worms whose gods forced him into exile. It is their sharp intellect and discipline that makes the Dark Elves so dangerous and that almost decided the War of Six Races for the Dark ones. From Urgath they came to Fiara with their brothers in arms, the orcs and trolls. Once the war was over, they stayed and founded the realm of Lar on the nebulous east coast. There, they raised towers of obsidian and forged heavy armour and moonblades, which they would use in uncounted cruel battles against the races of the light.
Gods
The Gods of Eo are best thought of as very powerful mages, more powerful than any being of Eo could hope to achieve. However, despite their vast power, they aren't omnipotent and have their own faults.
In the world of SpellForce, these beings are called the Guardians, with Renegades as their opposite, all sons and daughters of Aonir, the god of stars who once came to Eo to give it the gift of life
At the current last moment in the timeline, there are six guardians, those being:
Goddess of Nature and the Elves.
God of scholars and mages.
God of time and death.
God of warriors, especially worshipped by the Dwarves.
Goddess of craftsmen, worshipped by Humans.
Patron of Paladins and goddess of humans
The Renegades include three members:
Formerly known as the guardian Ulm
God of the Dark Elves
God of free-traders and thieves, recently turned into the Red God.
Apart from those, there are other beings on Eo that could be considered Gods or Demi-Gods.
Aonir's sacrifice and his instructions for the Guardians
And so Aonir, the Wanderer, descended onto Eo after weaving the bane and forming the face of the earth out of the elements. There he planted the Seed of Life, the most valuable of all his assets.
When he was finished, he lingered there. Weakened and fatigued, he wished to return home to the distant shores he had once set off from. However, the concern for his new creation would not cease from his mind.
Therefore he sent his light out across the Star Sea and called for his children. They soon hurried across the Eternal Abyss to stand by his side, and he spoke: “See my creation. I have formed a fertile terrain out of this once-broken world. And the Seed of Life will soon bloom. However, I cannot dwell here to tend to my creation. Therefore I have called you to fulfil this duty.”
“Father,” his children replied, “the powers you have banned are merely asleep. Even if we unified our powers, we would never be as mighty as you are. How will we be able to face all the dangers to come?”
“No worries!”, the Wanderer answered. “As long as the shine of my light can be seen glowing from the distant shores of our homestead, my powers and the bane will be in effect. I shed my blood to make this world a part of me, like many others before.”
With these words, Aonir forged a blade of sharp stone and jabbed it into his body. Many drops of his blood fell onto the face of Eo. Wherever a drop touched the land, it turned into the purest crystal and the Godstones were formed.
Exhausted, the Wanderer spoke to his children: “From now on my power shall guide you. Though there are yet many challenges awaiting you. Tiara, eldest of my children, your home shall be the Disc of the Sun. And as you dance among the flames, you will offer life here the necessary light and warmth it requires to survive. May you never tire, Tiara.
Nor, my son, you shall receive the Disc of the Moon as your reign. Watch over the nights and the creature’s sleep once Tiara has moved on. Your light will shine cold, but it will be a welcome sign for the creatures of the night.
Daughter Elen, wander through the country and guard the forces of life. Watch over the treasures of nature, the plants and the creatures of the forests. Give them the water they so urgently need to survive and be their friend and protector.
Ulm, you shall be the Keeper of Diversity and Change. Nothing shall last forever and change shall determine the face of this world. May your powers give the flowers their colours and the creatures their variety.
Niethalf, your might shall form them and strengthen them. You will give them the power they need to survive. As we know, this world will not be without dangers. In the depths of the earth I want you to forge their souls, giving them courage and truthfulness; willpower and strength.
However, you will also encounter those who are weak or double-minded, the ones who do not pursue their lives based on the truth. They too, shall have an advocate, and that shall be you, Zerbo. Your deceitfulness and finesse shall offer them assistance and provide an example.
Shanna, my daughter, you will pass graciousness and blandness on to this world. In the homes and families, your soft hand shall guide their way. Show them the joy of life, of work and of being together.
Hirin, you will be the Harbinger, the one to bring good and bad. You shall accompany the souls of the dying to the Halls of Death and guide those born into life. Sleep, death and dreams, but also happiness and health will be the goods you trade. May they fear you and love you at the same time.
And at last you, Ereon. You will be the Keeper of their Knowledge. Science, research and magic shall provide a better future for the races. You shall take down all their knowledge and legislations in a book, so that I may learn the story of my creation when the end of time arrives.
Now set off and fulfill these duties until the end of this world has come. In return, every creature shall render homage to you in thankfulness and loyalty, as you are their guardians and their preservers. Yet keep in mind: my creation is immaculate; it is the beginning and the end, the present and the future. The Seed of Life shall sprout and grow, as I have created it. Watch over it, for every life is unique.”
And with that, the Stargod Aonir quit speaking and left Eo to return to the shores of his homeland. From there his light shines protective over his children as they now protect us.
Nonetheless, they shall never interfere in our history and never shall they join forces with the creatures of Eo, nor shall they accept them as friends. These are the Rules of Aonir and they apply to the gods as well as the creatures of Eo. Whoever breaks them shall accept the curse of the Father God.
The Circle
Though there have been many important individuals who have shaped the history of Eo, the members of the Circle were arguably the most impactful.
At all times, Mages have brought about unrest in the world with their thirst for knowledge and power. The Circle was founded by an agreement of all nations to put an end to the intrigues of the magicians. The thirteen most powerful Mages of the nations, adherents of both light and darkness, joined the Circle. They selected the city of Mulandir, built by one of its members, Isgrimm, as their seat, independent of all governments.
For long, the Mages of the Circle discharged their tasks with earnestness, establishing an era of peace and justice. They deciphered the secret of the Allfire, which extended their lives and gave them power far beyond any known sorcery. For hundreds of years, they would guide the destiny of the realms from the shadows. However, such power comes at a price, and their minds would soon begin scheming once more, bringing peace to an end and casting Eo into disarray.
The members of the Circle were:
Rohen is one of the most powerful Circle Mages and knowledgeable in many areas. He has perfected his skills with Elemental magic, particularly in the fields of fire and ice. Obsessed with magic and the domination of Archfire, he is constantly seeking out new ways to master its powers. He commands an army of orcs to do his bidding.
One of the most powerful necromancers to have ever lived, feared even by some of his fellow Circle Mages. As a young Zerbite, he discovered the Mask of Belial while exploring the Black Jungle on Xu. His purpose seems to be the creation of ever new forms of Undead and he is constantly seeking new ways to build his armies.
Uram was a powerful occultist talented in the field of fire magic which gained him the title "the Red" during his time at the Circle. A demonologist of the highest order and one of the pioneers of exploring the demonic realm, Uram is constantly seeking to advance his influence on the demon realm and summon ever greater servants.
A mage who did the seemingly impossible: bringing the Medusas of the Lost Islands under his control, earning him a seat in the circle. His servants now guard the halls and towers of the circle. His forte also lay in the field of earth magic.
Raith is a powerful Norcaine Dark Mage who once uncovered the secrets of the City of Souls, which earned him a seat on the Circle of Mages. He excels in Black Magic and has shown little regard for the affairs of others, though he is known to be searching for Hirin’s Hourglass, seeking to conquer death and time itself.
Ianna’s charming personality hides a darker side, where her mastery in Mentalism lets her see everyone as merely a toy to play with in one of her elaborate parties. Staying on her good side is going to take a guided tongue and outright flattery.
Isgrimm perfected the use and study of the glyphs and by seeking out and studying Shaper artefacts has become the greatest of artificers and the greatest Stoneshaper of Windholme. As the builder of Mulandir, the seat of the Circle, his pride in his creations knows no bounds and he is constantly seeking new ways to hone his craft.
Zahaar is a hexer of the Norcaine, master of poisons and other sinister types of magic, often out, searching for ways to hone his craft. His poisons are renowned across Eo for bringing certain, painful death.
Yria was one of the pure-blooded elves from Finon Mir. Due to her prowess in White Magic, she became a famous healer and dedicated herself to securing peace across Eo, trying to heal the wounds torn by war and strife. Do not mistake that for weakness – Yria has ways to pacify you with or without your cooperation.
Gor was born into the Grarg Orc clan on Urgath and has studied beasts and monsters of all kinds, to enable him to take their form. It is said that he is able to transform into beasts tall as the sky and so terrifying that just looking at them will make your heart stop beating. He is also a skilled summoner of earth magic.
Silverhand is the best illusionist of his time, using his mental images and mirages to mislead friends and foes alike. He seldom acts himself, but his eyes and ears are always close to the happenings of Eo.
Undergast is the most accomplished scholar of the Circle, his thirst for knowledge and books second to none. He may be a worthwhile ally if you are willing to give up your knowledge, but will stop at nothing to obtain it if you are not.
Joining as the final member of the Circle, the Piper was a prodigy at various kinds of magic, but perhaps best well known for his mental spells and charisma that allowed him to win the favour of many, which is why his armies often consisted of all kinds of races and creatures.
Geography
The geography of Eo, time-wise, is separated into the pre- and post-convocation eras.
Before the cataclysmic event, Eo looked as it does below, comprised of 5 major continents, Fiara in the middle, Xu to the south, Urgath to the east of Fiara, Godeland to the far East and Inenland to the far West.
However, after the Convocation had split most of Eo apart, it now resembles more of a sea with islands scattered throughout it, only surviving by surrounding the Godstones of Aonir. Sadly, there is no map to accurately depict this.
If you want to know more about individual places on Eo, consider checking out this interactive map we made for it: https://world.spellforce.info/